Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tension that, ultimately, goes nowhere; the right time to wallow; the best drunk intentions; family lore; flipping Arthurian legends, ‘love eggplants’, and the Smelly, Farting Elder of Mahakam.

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [1:28] Introduction
• [2:49] Guest Introductions
• [13:05] Chapter Recap
• [14:55] Overall Thoughts
• [20:35] How Perspective Influences Approach
• [25:20] Tensions at Fen Carn
• [30:47] Geralt’s Pain and Struggles
• [37:03] Folk Tales and Magic
• [45:38] Cultural Integration
• [50:05] Geralt’s Outburst
• [57:03] Ciri’s Loss of Innocence
• [1:04:43] Closing Thoughts
• [1:11:26] Outro
• [1:12:44] End Credits

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